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Medicare, immigration shape Junaid Ahmed’s Illinois congressional bid
The seat is being vacated by Raja Krishnamoorthi, who has announced a bid for the U.S. Senate.
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Malvika Choudhary - Wed, 11, Feb 2026
- 16:08 EST
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Junaid Ahmed / Instagram/ Junaid Ahmed
Indian American tech entrepreneur Junaid Ahmed has focused his congressional campaign in Illinois on health care and immigration.
In a recent campaign video, The democrat, who is running for the U.S. House from Illinois’ 8th Congressional District, said his priorities include passing Medicare for All, abolishing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and opposing President Donald Trump.
Also Read: Texas GOP Chairman Abraham George announces re-election bid
Ready to vote in DuPage County? You can start today!
— Junaid For Congress (IL-08) (@JunaidForUs) February 11, 2026
DuPage County:
Addison Township Office: 401 N Addison RD, Addison, IL 60101
Bartlett Community Center: 700 S Bartlett Rd, Bartlett, IL 60103
Kane County:
Kane County Government Center: 719 S. Batavia Ave., Bldg. B Geneva,… pic.twitter.com/KlX8dL1P6c
Ahmed framed his candidacy around economic pressure facing working- and middle-class families. “Low wages, higher rents, and politicians who look the other way” have made it harder for families to get ahead, he said. “Never underestimate the power of a common man.”
People in power think that “common” is an insult, but being common is anything but. The “common” people are what built America from the ground up, and what keeps it running.#JunaidForUS #IL08 pic.twitter.com/ucGhSxOHz2
— Junaid For Congress (IL-08) (@JunaidForUs) February 10, 2026
He has frequently referenced his immigrant background in campaign messaging. “I came to this country with my parents with the same hope millions of families carry—to work hard and build a better life,” he said in the video.
Ahmed’s campaign has drawn national progressive backing. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) announced her endorsement in a video message, calling Ahmed “exactly the type of progressive fighter that we need in Washington,” and saying he is “not afraid to stand up to corporate power” and “will never back down from taking on Donald Trump.”
Ahmed was born in India and moved to Illinois as a child after his parents immigrated to the United States. He grew up in the Chicago suburbs, where his father worked multiple jobs.
He began his education at a community college before transferring to DePaul University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science. He later earned a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Chicago while working.
Ahmed worked in professional services and information technology consulting before founding a technology company based in Illinois.He has also cited his community work, including helping launch Chi-Care, a nonprofit that delivers meals and supplies to unhoused residents in Chicago.
The Democratic primary field includes several candidates, among them Melissa Bean, Neil Khot, Kevin Morrison, Dan Tully, and Ryan Vetticad.
The primary election is scheduled for March. 17.
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